stayontheblack.com

Five things we learned from the Community Shield

Aug 07 2018

"Speaking on which club is favorite to compete for the EPL title this season, Jesus was quoted by Daily Mail as saying: "(Manchester City) can be considered as favorites because we are the current champions.

Although Conte won the FA Cup at Wembley in May, the Italian paid the price for Chelsea's slump from league champions to fifth place, leaving the West London club out of the Champions League.

On this evidence, City could follow in their arch rivals' footsteps at the end of the season.

But that was the only sour note for City as they got back in the groove in impressive style.

Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri responded by bringing on Danny Drinkwater for Fabregas and William for Hudson-Odoi, but City continued to dominate and Mahrez curled an effort wide as they looked for a third goal.

The arrival of Brazil goalkeeper Alisson, who played in all of his team's matches at the World Cup, provides a solution to Liverpool's one obvious weakness, and should mean Juergen Klopp's team is a genuine contender for the Premier League title this season. City finished 30 points ahead of Chelsea.

In truth Foden and his team mates were helped in their task by Chelsea's defence, which looked all at sea against City's interchanging attackers.

In stark contrast Chelsea looked like a side unused to what they're supposed to be doing.

Sarri, the new managerial import from Napoli, will be aware of the scale of the operation he has assumed control over.

Aguero struck his first after 13 minutes when Phil Foden, filling in admirably for Kevin De Bruyne, burst forward to find the Argentine, who wrong-footed defender Antonio Rudiger with a low shot to become the first City player to reach 200 goals.

Chelsea fans hope he wins Sarri's faith and the current midfield paradox can be easily sorted without venturing into the unpredictable transfer market.

But Jorginho made an underwhelming start, repeatedly giving the ball away in risky areas. A pass sent into the Lyon penalty area found an unmarked Lautaro who scored ti give Lyon the 1-0 win.

In between there was a rare miss, with Aguero hitting the side-netting after rounding Chelsea keeper Willy Caballero, but make no mistake, City's goal machine is looking sharp and the golden boot will surely be in his sights.

The City manager also expressed some dissatisfaction with his players' busy schedule in a summer built around the World Cup.

Callum Hudson-Odoi having two of his own attempts after a planned water break.